What Muscles Does a Decline Bench Target?

William McCoy - Updated February 21, 2017

Lifting weights can not only make you forget about the day's stressful moments, but also help you lose weight and avoid disease, not to mention build strong, healthy muscles. The decline bench press is an effective, challenging exercise for your upper body that can generate greater strength in a number of muscle groups.

Strong Pecs, Shoulders and Arms

When you perform the decline bench press exercise, either with a barbell or two dumbbells, you target your pectoralis major's sternal heads. These muscles are more commonly known as your chest, or lower pecs, and assist in many upper-body movements. The other muscles that help you execute the decline bench press exercise are the clavicular head of your pectorals, anterior deltoids, triceps and biceps.

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About the Author

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.